Crank up the Base – BMW 120 Hatch Review
Once the term “base model” was often associated with “no frills.” This is no longer the case with your average family car or daily runabout. These days even the most entry level of base models come stocked with so many features, some of which were usually only the preserve for something costing three or four […]
BYD Shark 6 Review – A Plug-In Predator with Urban Charm and Rural Bite
BYD has certainly made waves in the NZ’s EV world, now it’s aiming to stir up the ute market with its latest creation, the Shark 6. This plug-in hybrid utility vehicle is a bold attempt to blend electric efficiency with semi-rugged versatility, and much like its namesake, it’s making people sit up and take notice […]
2025 Audi A3 Facelift review – Sporty, Style and Substance
The Audi A3 has come a long way since its debut in 1996. Over the years, it has evolved from a three-door hatch to a full range of variants including the A3, S3, RS3, and various powertrains. The 2025 fourth-generation A3 facelift carries the torch forward with a sharper design, upgraded tech, and a more […]
Schooled in Efficiency – Kia Carnival Hybrid Review
There is this running joke within my group of car friends because “I just like everything”. And yeah, that’s mostly true – be it an ICE manual sports car or an EV SUV, I just like when a product is well suited to its intended purpose. So it should come with the territory that even […]
May the Fourth Be With You – BMW X3 20d xDrive Review
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to the mid tier level of premium SUV. German manufacturers have been strong contenders in this scene for the last 20 years and one such offering came courtesy of BMW, the X3. The X3 has been strong seller for the brand and now into its fourth […]
Version Two: 2025 smart #1 Brabus Review
smart’s #1 gets the Brabus treatment but is it just badge engineering?
Diesel, Electric, and a Pie Warmer – JAC T9 and N60 EV Reviewed
When it comes to utility and versatility, the JAC T9 ute and JAC N60 EV Truck boldly stake their claim as “JAC of all trades” and, surprisingly, (or maybe not) they might just be right, or at least master of some. JAC T9: Tough, Tech-Ready, and Towing Its Weight The JAC T9 ute seeks to […]
Jumping Jesus, holy cow! Mercedes-AMG SL63 review
Singer David Gray said it best with his lyrics ‘Jumping Jesus, holy cow’ in his ‘Be Mine’ tune – and both the lyrics and the title aptly describe my feelings towards the new Mercedes-AMG SL63. You see, when it comes to performance cars, some deliver thrills, while others etch themselves into your memory with a […]
Seal(ion) of Approval – BYD Sealion 7 Review
What do you get when a brand crosses a tech-forward crossover SUV with a proper sense of maturity? It seems BYD was faced with this exact question when coming up with the newest model from theirs to reach our shores, the Sealion 7. I’ve been through a bit of a streak with their cars recently, and […]
Audi Q6 e-tron – A Family-Friendly EV with Porsche DNA
The Audi Q6 e-tron is a bold new entry into the premium electric SUV market, representing a significant step in Audi’s electrification strategy. Built on the cutting-edge PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform shared with Porsche, the Q6 e-tron blends innovative technology, practicality, and luxury, giving it a unique competitive edge. The Q6 e-tron’s design adopts […]